KSEX owner Jon Belinkie announced management changes following Joe Brandi's resignation, stating that Brandi chose the timing of his departure. This development comes amidst a turbulent period for the adult internet radio station, which has since halted internet broadcasting indefinitely.

Management Changes and Departures

Jon Belinkie, owner of KSEX, acknowledged Joe Brandi's resignation, noting that Brandi felt it necessary to choose the timing of his departure, particularly around the holidays. Belinkie stated that KSEX respects Brandi's abilities, appreciates his contributions to the company's flourishing aspects, and wishes him well. He indicated that the primary question following Brandi's departure is who will assume his role.

Brandi's resignation was followed by further staff changes. Don Vito, writing on Adult Hearsay, reported that within 30 days of the departure of Joe Brandi and Lorraine (Rainy), over 13 employees had quit, with an additional 5-7 expected to leave by week's end. Don Vito attributed these departures to Porno Dan Leal and Jon Belinkie, stating they "destroyed KSEX in 30 days."

These recent changes are part of a pattern of staff turnover at KSEX. On May 10, Jon Belinkie dismissed longtime Program Director Wayne C. Lewis, also known as Wankus, on-air. Following Wankus's public ouster, many KSEX Radio hosts also resigned. In July 2007, KSEX Radio unveiled a retooled lineup, cutting some shows and introducing new ones. At that time, Program Director Lorrainiac stated, "It took a while to work out the kinks of the new studio, website, staff, etc., but this is the best lineup we have ever had at this station and I have been here since the beginning." Joe Brandi, then KSEX Vice President, also commented on the new lineup, saying, "This is just the beginning. There will be many new shows, special KSEX feature presentations and much more."

Station Operations and Controversies

KSEX's operations have been marked by controversy. Don Vito described the "new KSEX" as featuring "drug use discussions, urination, solicitation of prostitution, snorting of seaman, immaturity, lack of respect for other industry companies and employees." Don Vito specifically criticized a Friday show hosted by Porno Dan Leal and XXX J. During this show, Dan and XXX J reportedly went on a rant against Rude.com, leading Rude.com to immediately pull the KSEX feed. Porno Dan then stated they were suing Rude.com. The show also included questions to guests like "How many abortions did you have" after they had sniffed cum off a mirror. XXX J reportedly offered to "throw da bitch down the stairs for $150" if she wanted an abortion. Don Vito also reported that during discussions with guests about being an escort, both Porno Dan and XXX J offered money for sex, with Porno Dan stating, "I know how much I spend on hookers in Vegas. Lets get 5 guys and chip in," which Don Vito identified as solicitation of prostitution. XXX J also reportedly bragged about his drug use, and a guest pointed out his needle tattoo.

KSEX's partnership with Rude.com proved volatile, particularly after Rude's $20,000 giveaway on KSEX in December 2007 "collapsed into chaos."

KSEX Halts Broadcasting and Future Uncertainties

On February 5, 2008, KSEX closed its doors, halting internet broadcasting indefinitely. Owner Jon Belinkie stated that the station had struggled financially for the past 22 months. Belinkie told AVN Online, "I believe KSEX had been hurting monetarily since the death of its founder, Mike Rick, which was long before my involvement." He added, "The constant battles with staff, on-air personalities and slow- to non-paying sponsors and advertisers hemorrhaged enough money to cripple the station, and I'm done."

A deal for Vavoom Media Group to acquire KSEX fell apart on the eve of finalization. Belinkie mentioned that offers to buy KSEX are being entertained, but he believes "the sum of the station's parts may be worth more than the whole." He stated, "I continue to believe KSEX is a tremendous business opportunity due to its unique industry niche position, but the reality exists that KSEX might be carved up and sold off." Belinkie took "full responsibility" for the situation.

Dan Leal, also known as Porno Dan, who was formerly KSEX's sales director and a show host, agreed with Belinkie's assessment. Leal told AVN Online, "Unfortunately, between the potential sale of the domain names, say with Moniker, and the distribution of content, et cetera, KSEX is probably worth a lot more being split up and sold off in sections. It's a shame, and we will all have to wait to see what happens."

Key Facts

  • Jon Belinkie, owner of KSEX, announced Joe Brandi's resignation, stating Brandi chose the timing.
  • Over 13 employees reportedly quit KSEX within 30 days of Joe Brandi and Lorraine's departure.
  • KSEX halted internet broadcasting indefinitely on February 5, 2008, due to financial struggles over 22 months.
  • A deal for Vavoom Media Group to acquire KSEX fell apart.
  • Jon Belinkie is entertaining offers to buy KSEX, suggesting the station might be "carved up and sold off."
  • Past KSEX programming included discussions of drug use, solicitation of prostitution, and controversial content.